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Malaysia E-commerce New Rule: Product Titles & Descriptions Must Be in Malay – Do Corporate Websites Need Translation?

Malaysia's e-commerce sector is experiencing a "language earthquake" triggered by new regulations. The Consumer Protection (Electronic Trade Transactions) Regulations 2024 (CPETTR 2024), enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), comes into effect on June 24, 2025. Its core requirement: all product titles and detailed descriptions listed on major local e-commerce platforms (like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, etc.) must be written in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay).

Intentions & Controversy

 

• Government Goals: Authorities state this aims to enhance consumer transparency, ensure accurate product understanding (especially for Malay speakers), and promote the national language.
• Seller Challenges: However, the rule's implementation has sparked significant controversy, particularly among cross-border sellers and local sellers accustomed to using English. Key complaints include:
• "Translation Overload" & Added Costs: The massive task of translating vast amounts of product information is burdensome and incurs potential extra costs (tools/services).
• Search Disruption Fears: Concerns exist that forcing a language switch will disrupt existing product search logic and user habits, making it harder for buyers (especially those searching English keywords) to find products, impacting sales.
• Heavy Compliance Burden: Non-compliant sellers face severe penalties, including fines up to RM 200,000 or criminal liability, creating substantial pressure across the industry.

Do Corporate Website Product Listings Need Malay Translation?
Answer: Not Mandatory, But Highly Recommended!

 

• A critical question arises from this platform-focused regulation: Must product content on corporate official websites (brand sites, independent stores) also be translated into Malay immediately?
• Clear Answer (Regulatory): Temporarily NO. CPETTR 2024 primarily regulates product information on third-party marketplaces like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop. It does NOT currently mandate that company-owned official websites translate product information into Malay. Therefore, purely to comply with this specific rule, websites have no immediate legal obligation for full translation.
• Strategic Recommendation (Market Opportunity): Strongly Advise Adding a Malay Website Version!
• Capture Local Search Traffic: Malay is Malaysia's national language and dominant local tongue. Google and other search engines see massive and growing Malay keyword search volumes in Malaysia. Competing for Malay keyword Google rankings is essential for truly penetrating this market.
• Seize the Competitive Window: Currently, professional, high-quality Malay-language websites targeting Malaysia are relatively scarce, making competition less intense than for English sites. This is a prime opportunity for early adoption and market leadership.
• Boost User Experience & Trust: Offering a Malay website significantly enhances the browsing experience, comprehension, and trust for the majority Malay-speaking population, directly driving conversions.
• Complete Localization Strategy: Language is core to localization. A Malay website demonstrates a long-term commitment to the Malaysian market and respect for local culture, complementing marketplace compliance.

Conclusion & Action Plan

Platform Sellers: Urgent Compliance Required! Sellers on regulated platforms (Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop) MUST translate all product titles and descriptions accurately into Malay before the June 24 deadline to avoid hefty fines or legal action. Finding efficient and reliable translation solutions is critical.

*Update: Reports indicate Shopee has announced plans to launch a product translation tool and may have delayed its enforcement deadline. Sellers should still prioritize compliance but verify platform-specific updates.

Website Owners: Strategic Investment Advised! While official websites aren't directly covered by this rule, businesses serious about the Malaysian market should prioritize developing or optimizing a Bahasa Malaysia version of their website. Capitalize on the current lower competition for Malay SEO by investing in professional translation and optimization. This builds the foundation for winning local search traffic and market share in the future.

Language is more than just a compliance checkbox; it's the key to unlocking local markets. While meeting mandatory platform requirements, proactively embracing the Malay-speaking online world will be crucial for winning over Malaysian consumers. Now is the optimal time to build this competitive advantage.